Construction workers could soon get their boots on the ground to start building the new town centre cinema and hotel complex.

The developer Stanhope Plc put forward the plans for the £75 million scheme to regenerate the former Ashford market site in Elwick Place at the end of 2013.

The plans were approved in December last year and then last month the council agreed to purchase a stake in the scheme but has so far refused to comment on how much it has invested.

The scheme will include a cinema with six screens and 950-seat capacity, a 60-bedroom hotel, and eight new units for restaurants and cafes.

Now a report by Lendlease on behalf of Stanhope Plc has revealed that work could begin this August.

The report sent to the council’s planning department sets out the timeframe, with an estimated completion of the cinema towards the end of next year, while they aim to finish the hotel by March 2018.

It also highlighted key dates during the construction, with piling work set to begin in October this year, and construction of the superstructure to start in January 2017.

Once the skeleton of the superstructure is built, work on the cladding can begin in April 2017, and the internal fitting out of the cinema will take place from July, with the aim to be completed by the final quarter of next year.

Council leader Gerry Clarkson says the project is one of the “big eight” for Ashford, which includes developments such as the new college which is due to be ready to open next year to 700 students.

It is part of the council’s strategy to become self reliant in terms of funding. Cllr Clarkson said: “This acquisition underlines the business-like approach being taken by the council, building on our successful purchases of International House and Park Mall.”

Meanwhile Stanhope Plc director Gary Bourne said: “The acquisition marks the culmination of years of hard work undertaken to realise the terrific potential of this town centre site.”